Hugo, a hedonistic young man, meets Miriam in a subway station in Paris, instantly being drawn to her undeniable sexuality. After some heavy touching and teasing through-out the Paris Subway, Miriam takes Hugo back to her apartment with the promise of sex on the horizon. After Hugo enters her apartment, it becomes clear that Hugo is in for more than he every imagined. Walerian Borowczyk's final film begins as a typical film of the romance genre only to transform into a subversive horror film commenting on the nature of masculine and feminine sexuality in our society and really in our universe as well. Anyone familiar with Walerian Browczyk's work should have an understanding of what to expect from a thematic standpoint. The dialogue through most of the film has more in common with poetry than a narrative screenplay as Miram and Hugo have philosophical conversations about life, nature and gender classifications. Visually, the film features some rather obtuse compositions throughout the film, aiding in creating this unique subversive experience. I particularly loved the use of a butterfly as a symbolic tactic of capturing the elegance and grace of the female form. Throughout the film, Hugo's sexual headstrong nature is very subtle but prevalent as he routinely forces himself on Mariam, aching to fulfill his carnal desires. The female form is a work of art, though Hugo's intentions align more with defiling or corrupting the female form with his sexual appetite. In the end of the film, it is Hugo who is emasculated, as he wanders the streets dazed and unaware of what has just transpired. Love Rites is a fascinating experience and while it isn't perfect, it is full of interesting ideals.